Coach Bellotti staying put at Oregon

0 Comments | Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Dec 22, 2007 | by Associated Press

EUGENE, Ore. -- Oregon football coach Mike Bellotti, approached by UCLA in its search for a head coach, said Friday he's staying put.

"You're always flattered when others want to talk to you, but that's because of the success we've enjoyed based on our players, our support staff and our administration," Bellotti said in a statement posted on the university Web site. "I have been, and continue to be, 100 percent committed to the University of Oregon and our pursuit of a national championship."

Bellotti, who turned 57 on Friday, is in his 13th season as Oregon's coach with a record of 105-52. The university confirmed Thursday that he had spoken to UCLA officials.

"I was approached by them on several occasions and finally agreed to allow them to come to Eugene and speak with me," his statement said.

Bellotti said his priorities are "the quality of life, my family and the opportunities to win. . . .

"UCLA wanted to present to me a scenario that would offer all those things and asked if I would listen. That's as far as it ever went. I never considered it an interview, merely an opportunity for them to provide me with some information and insights into their program," he said.